Top Stroke Rehabil
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Multicenter Study
Clinician perspectives of an intensive comprehensive aphasia program.
Intensive comprehensive aphasia programs (ICAPs) have increased in number in recent years in the United States and abroad. ⋯ Although there is a potential for bias with the small sample size, this pilot study gives insight into the clinician perspective of what makes working in an ICAP both worthwhile and challenging.
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Multicenter Study
A multidisciplinary cross-cultural measurement of functioning after stroke: Rasch analysis of the brief ICF Core Set for stroke.
To investigate the possibility of constructing a multiprofessional cross-cultural measure of functioning after stroke across categories of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). ⋯ A construction of a cross-cultural clinical measure after stroke based on ICF categories across body functions, structures, and activities and participation was possible. With this kind of clinical measure, stroke survivors' functional levels can be compared even across countries. Despite the promising results, further studies are necessary to develop definitive measures based on ICF categories.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Cortical stimulation for upper limb recovery following ischemic stroke: a small phase II pilot study of a fully implanted stimulator.
To evaluate the feasibility of a fully implanted cortical stimulator for improving hand and arm function in patients following ischemic stroke. ⋯ Evidence suggests that cortical stimulation with rehabilitation therapy produces a lasting treatment effect in upper extremity motor control and is not associated with serious neurological complications. A larger multicenter study is underway.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Antiplatelet and anticoagulant medication usage during stroke rehabilitation: the Post-Stroke Rehabilitation Outcomes Project (PSROP).
Secondary prevention of strokes is an important issue during the admission to the inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF). There are many clinical practice guidelines with strong levels of evidence that address the secondary prophylaxis of strokes. The Post-Stroke Rehabilitation Outcomes Project (PSROP) database was used to describe the frequency that antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant medications are prescribed for the secondary prophylaxis of a stroke. ⋯ Of 173 participants who had an embolic event, 29 (16.8%) did not receive a salicylate, antiplatelet agent, or warfarin. Unless patients have any medical contraindications to these medications, they should receive these evidence-based treatments for secondary stroke prophylaxis. As more stroke survivors receive antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant medications, it is more likely that the incidence of recurrent strokes will decrease.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Usage of pain medications during stroke rehabilitation: the Post-Stroke Rehabilitation Outcomes Project (PSROP).
Pain remains one of the most common, yet most challenging, medical problems in health care today, and it is one of the most common complications that occurs after a stroke. Pain can affect the course of stroke rehabilitation adversely, and it occasionally may be a cause for transfer back to an acute care hospital. The Post-Stroke Rehabilitation Outcomes Project (PSROP) database was used to describe the incidence of pain by body location and trends in the use of different classifications of medications to treat pain. ⋯ Other frequently prescribed pain medications included sumatriptan (migraine analgesic), cyclobenzaprine (muscle relaxant), and baclofen (antispasticity muscle relaxant). Medications should be chosen based upon the medical condition causing pain, the ability of the stroke survivor to comply with administration of the medication, and the cost of the medication. Appropriate and timely treatments of painful conditions result in maximum function and the ability to lead active lives and maintain an adequate quality of life.